If you’re looking for a fast and convenient way to cook pizza, an air fryer can be a great solution. The air fryer is designed to cook food quickly while delivering that crispy texture that pizza lovers enjoy. But the question remains: how long do you put pizza in the air fryer for the best results? Whether you’re dealing with fresh pizza, frozen pizza, or reheating leftovers, this guide will walk you through the ideal cooking times, temperatures, and tips for the perfect pizza every time.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Pizza?
Using an air fryer for pizza offers multiple advantages over traditional methods like baking in an oven or using a microwave.
- Crispier Crust: The air fryer’s rapid air circulation cooks the pizza evenly, ensuring that the crust becomes perfectly crispy while the cheese melts without overcooking. The air fryer is known for giving pizza a texture that mimics a wood-fired oven. Unlike a microwave, which leaves pizza soggy, the air fryer enhances the crunch.
- Faster Cooking Time: While a traditional oven may take up to 15 minutes to cook pizza, the air fryer cuts that time in half. Pizza in an air fryer typically cooks in just 7-12 minutes, making it a faster option, especially for personal-sized or frozen pizzas.
- Healthier Option: Air frying requires little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to frying or baking with added fats. If you’re conscious of calorie intake, this method offers a lighter way to enjoy your favorite pizza without sacrificing flavor. To learn more about the health benefits of air frying, check out Why Air Fryers Are a Healthier Choice.
For additional air fryer recipes that provide crispy, healthier alternatives to traditional methods, explore these air fryer snacks.
Preheating the Air Fryer for Pizza
Getting your air fryer preheated is a crucial step to ensure even cooking. This process allows the appliance to reach its optimal temperature, ensuring the pizza crust turns crispy without overcooking the toppings. Set the air fryer to 375°F and preheat for around 3-5 minutes before placing your pizza inside.
While some air fryer models do not require preheating, it’s a good practice for pizza. Without preheating, the crust might become soggy or undercooked. Preheating ensures that the pizza is evenly heated from the moment it is placed inside, reducing cooking time and enhancing the texture.
Cooking Fresh Pizza in the Air Fryer
Fresh pizza dough can be a little tricky in the air fryer if you’re not familiar with the process. However, with a few simple steps, you can achieve a perfectly crispy crust and melty cheese.
Steps to Cook Fresh Pizza:
- Assemble the Pizza: Roll out your dough or use a pre-made crust and place it directly in the air fryer basket. Add your sauce, cheese, and toppings. If your pizza dough is thick, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Cook at 375°F: Set your air fryer to 375°F. For fresh pizza, cook for 7-10 minutes. It’s important to check the pizza halfway through the cooking time to ensure that it’s cooking evenly. Some air fryers may have hot spots, so rotating the pizza at the halfway point is a good idea.
- Monitor the Toppings: Keep an eye on the toppings. If your cheese begins to brown too quickly, you may want to lower the temperature to 350°F for the remaining time. This prevents the toppings from overcooking while allowing the crust to crisp up.
- Finishing Touches: Once the crust is golden and the cheese is melted, remove the pizza from the air fryer. Allow it to cool for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.
Fresh pizza made in the air fryer can be a delicious alternative to using the oven. For those who like to experiment with their pizza, try this Homemade Pizza Recipe for more ideas.
Cooking Frozen Pizza in the Air Fryer
Cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer is perhaps one of the easiest ways to make a quick meal. Frozen pizzas, particularly the smaller personal-sized ones, fit perfectly into the air fryer basket and cook much faster than in an oven.
Steps to Cook Frozen Pizza:
- Preheat to 350°F: Frozen pizzas need a slightly lower temperature for even cooking. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. This ensures that the pizza thaws and cooks evenly without burning the edges.
- Place the Pizza in the Basket: Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, place the frozen pizza directly in the basket. Make sure it fits without overlapping the edges, as this could result in uneven cooking.
- Cook for 8-12 Minutes: The cooking time for frozen pizza in an air fryer varies depending on its size. A personal-sized frozen pizza will generally take about 8 minutes, while a larger one could take up to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on the pizza and check for doneness after 8 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: The pizza is done when the cheese is fully melted, and the crust is golden. If you prefer a crispier crust, you can cook the pizza for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Frozen pizza sizes vary widely, so make sure your pizza fits in the air fryer basket. If the pizza is too large, consider cutting it into smaller pieces to fit without overlapping. Air frying frozen pizza can be a fast and hassle-free way to enjoy a hot meal in minutes.
Reheating Pizza in the Air Fryer
One of the best features of an air fryer is its ability to reheat leftovers while preserving the original texture. Reheating pizza in an air fryer is a much better alternative to microwaving, as it prevents the pizza from becoming soggy and restores its crispy texture.
Steps to Reheat Pizza:
- Preheat to 325°F: For thin-crust pizza, set your air fryer to 325°F. For thicker crusts, such as pan pizza or deep-dish pizza, use 350°F.
- Cook for 3-5 Minutes: Place the pizza slices in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the crust. Thin crusts will heat faster, while thicker crusts may require the full 5 minutes.
- Check the Crust: If you want the crust to be extra crispy, let the pizza cook for an additional minute. However, be careful not to overcook, as the cheese could dry out or the crust could become too hard.
For additional ideas on how to reheat and cook crispy foods in the air fryer, explore the recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Wings, which shares similar cooking principles for achieving crispy results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Pizza in the Air Fryer
Although cooking pizza in an air fryer is relatively straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that can impact the final result. Avoiding these pitfalls will ensure your pizza comes out perfectly every time.
- Overcrowding the Basket: One of the most common mistakes is placing too much pizza or large slices in the air fryer basket. If the pizza overlaps or is stacked, the hot air won’t circulate properly, resulting in uneven cooking. Always ensure that your pizza is placed in a single layer with enough space around it.
- Skipping the Preheat: Many people skip the preheat step because they believe air fryers don’t need it. However, preheating is essential for cooking pizza evenly and ensuring a crispy crust. Without preheating, your pizza might end up soggy or undercooked.
- Incorrect Temperature Settings: Using too high of a temperature can burn the crust while leaving the toppings undercooked. It’s best to cook pizza at a moderate temperature, such as 350°F to 375°F, to achieve even cooking without burning the edges.
To avoid these and other common air fryer mistakes, check out these Air Fryer Tips for Beginners for a comprehensive guide.
Advanced Tips for Perfect Air Fried Pizza
1. Experiment with Different Crusts
The air fryer is versatile and can handle a variety of pizza crusts. Consider trying:
- Cauliflower Crust: A low-carb, gluten-free alternative that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. This is a great option for those looking to reduce their carb intake without sacrificing flavor.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Air fryers work well with gluten-free crusts, offering a crispy texture that can sometimes be hard to achieve in a traditional oven.
2. Add Extra Toppings
Enhance your pizza by adding extra toppings before cooking. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, or chili flakes can add an extra layer of flavor. You can also drizzle olive oil on the crust before cooking to give it an extra crunch.
3. Serve with Dipping Sauces
Take your pizza to the next level by serving it with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter. For a creative twist, try dipping it in buffalo sauce or pesto. These sauces can enhance the flavor and provide a fun way to enjoy your pizza.
Cooking Frozen Pizza Rolls in the Air Fryer
The air fryer isn’t just great for pizza; it’s also the perfect way to cook frozen pizza rolls. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat to 390°F: Frozen pizza rolls need a higher temperature to ensure the filling heats up while the outside becomes crispy.
- Cook Time: Place up to 25 pizza rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 4 minutes, shake the basket, then cook for an additional 4 minutes.
- Cooling: Let the pizza rolls cool for 2 minutes before eating, as the filling can be very hot.
Pizza rolls make a fantastic snack, and the air fryer gives them the perfect crispy texture.
FAQs: How Long Do You Put Pizza in the Air Fryer?
How long does it take to cook pizza in an air fryer?
For fresh pizza, cook at 375°F for 7-10 minutes. Frozen pizza generally takes 8-12 minutes at 350°F.
Do you need to preheat the air fryer for pizza?
Yes, preheating ensures the pizza cooks evenly and crisps up properly. Preheat for 3-5 minutes for best results.
Can you reheat pizza in the air fryer?
Yes, reheating pizza in the air fryer takes about 3-5 minutes and restores the crispy texture, unlike a microwave.
How do you prevent pizza from burning in the air fryer?
Make sure to cook pizza at the correct temperature. Stick to 350°F-375°F, and check the pizza halfway through to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Can you cook frozen pizza rolls in the air fryer?
Yes, frozen pizza rolls cook perfectly in the air fryer. They take about 8 minutes at 390°F, with a halfway shake for even cooking.
Conclusion: Why Air Frying Pizza is the Best Option
Air frying pizza is a convenient, fast, and healthier way to achieve perfectly crispy pizza at home. Whether you’re cooking fresh, frozen, or reheating leftovers, the air fryer delivers consistent results with minimal effort. With a few tips and tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy restaurant-quality pizza in just minutes. For more ideas on making crispy, delicious snacks, check out this Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe.
Using an air fryer makes pizza night quicker, easier, and more fun. Experiment with different crusts, toppings, and sauces to create your own pizza masterpiece!